Industrial services firm Bilfinger says it will employ about 250 people on a new contract to expand Mitsubishi Chemical's Saltend operation.
A new production line is being developed alongside Mitsubishi's existing plant which produces Soarnol - a polymer used in a variety of products including automotive components, packaging materials, and consumer goods.
Bilfinger will install several thousand tonnes of structural steel, provide fabrication services and several thousand metres of pipe, as well as new electrical, control and instrumentation infrastructure and complex equipment installation including heavy lifts.
Work is due to start immediately and will be carried out by Bilfinger º£½ÇÊÓƵ's Automation and Projects division at Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance º£½ÇÊÓƵ. Plans for the £250m expansion were laid out last year with Mitsubishi saying it would double capacity.
Bilfinger says it will minimise disruption to operations at the chemical park while focusing on finding efficiencies and using intelligent construction methods. Once complete, the firm says it will support Mitsubishi Chemical with maintenance and further enhancements.
Darren Clement, vice president of engineering, automation and projects, Bilfinger Engineering and Maintenance º£½ÇÊÓƵ, said: "Securing this significant award and being part of this project is a testament to our team’s expertise and commitment to delivering excellence.
"Our extensive experience on the Mitsubishi site and our reputation for high-quality work have positioned us well for this exciting opportunity. We look forward to continuing our strong collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical, contributing to the success of the Saltend Chemical Park.
“Looking ahead, we envision further innovations and sustainable solutions that will drive the future of the chemical industry, ensuring long-term growth and opportunities and we’re delighted to be a part of it."
When announcing the plans last year, Mitsubishi said it expected the new production line be operational in 2026. The new production line will help to meet growing demand for Soarnol, the brand name for a grade of ethylene vinyl co-polymer (EVOH).
